RoadVitals

2008 Subaru Tribeca

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest Jun 11, 2018
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
9
Latest Apr 11, 2019
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Subaru Tribeca, most frequently naming the airbags, body & structure and engine categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 52 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags631.6%
  • Body & structure210.5%
  • Engine210.5%
  • Exterior lighting210.5%
  • Steering210.5%
  • Brakes15.3%
  • Interior & seats15.3%
  • Suspension15.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

9 campaigns cover this model year

View all 9

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
19V297000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Apr 11, 2019
511 units potentially affected
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
The risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WUF-91View on NHTSA.gov
17V026000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 11, 2017
69,529 units potentially affected
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Baja, 2009 Forester, Legacy and Outback and 2006-2009 Impreza (including WRX and STI models) and Tribeca vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKB-17.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number TKB-17View on NHTSA.gov
17V014000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 10, 2017
53,480 units potentially affected
The defect: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2005-2006 Subaru Baja, 2006-2011 Impreza (including WRX and STI models), 2006-2012 Tribeca, 2009-2012 Forester, Legacy, Outback, and 2012 WRX vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2017. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is TKA-17.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number TKA-17View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 14
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 11, 2018
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO FLAMES VISIBLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE PUDDLE LIGHT HAD OVERHEATED AND WAS BURNT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V602000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING), ALTHOUGH THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.

NHTSA ID
11101199
Incident
Jun 9, 2018
Mileage
134,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 10, 2018

WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO PARK MY CAR, NOTICE THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE WHERE THE SEAT IS. I LOOKED UP FOR ANY RECALLS AND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR MY CAR 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA FOR EXTERIOR PUDDLE LIGHT THAT MAY CAUSE SMOKE OR FIRE IF THE WIRING IS EXPOSED TO CERTAIN MOISTURE. I ENTERED MY VIN NUMBER IN THE RECALL AND IT'S NOT LISTED. COULD MY CAR STILL HAVE THIS RECALL?

NHTSA ID
11100802
Incident
Jun 9, 2018
Driver assistanceExterior lightingSteering
Filed Jul 9, 2017

THIS CAR WAS SHAKING AT A SPEED OF 60 MILES. AFTER TAKING IT TO CHECK IN SEATTLE'S CARTER SUBARU WASHINGTON FIVE TIMES, THE CAR BECAME VIBRATING AT A SPEED OF 40 MILES. A DAY AFTER IT DEPARTURE, IT WAS SHIPPED TO TAMPA FLORIDA BECAUSE OF MY UNIVERSITY. UPON RECEIPT THE CAR WAS OIL-FREE, AND ALL THE SAFETY LIGHTS WERE CAUGHT. THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE, AND THERE WAS NO LONGER ENOUGH CAPACITY TO PUSH AND THE TIRES BEGAN TO FALL. MASTRO SUBARU REFUSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM EXCEPT BY PAYING MONEY. AFTER RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS CAR IS NOT THE ONLY ONE AND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN ALL CARS OF THIS TYPE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS MANY RECALLS IN THIS CAR ONE OF THEM IT IS (VDC) VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL. NOW THE CAR SO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE, I PARKED THE CAR AND NO MONEY TO DO ANYTHING. PLEASE I NEED HELP , I HAVE THREE KIDS.

NHTSA ID
11003850
Incident
Jan 21, 2017
Airbags
Filed Jun 23, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V358000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN JUNE OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (PALM SPRINGS SUBARU IN PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA) AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11000895
Incident
Jun 1, 2016
Airbags
Filed Mar 22, 2017

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ID
10967903
Incident
Mar 22, 2017
Airbags
Filed Feb 14, 2017

TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED NOTICE AUGUST 2016 THAT MY PASSENGER SIDE TAKATA AIRBAG WAS BEING RECALLED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH NECESSITATING DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT AIR BAGS, THESE INFLATORS MAY RUPTURE DUE TO PROPELLANT DEGRADATION OCCURRING AFTER LONG-TERM EXPOSURE TO ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING. AN INFLATOR RUPTURE MAY RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. . . . I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE A FRONT PASSENGER IN MY FAMILY VEHICLE SINCE THIS NOTICE AND IT HAS NOW BEEN 7 MONTHS!! I NEED THIS VEHICLE FIXED FOR A FAMILY VACATION THIS YEAR. THIS LONG OF A WAIT IS COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS AND I AM BEYOND DISAPPOINTED AS TO HOW THIS RECALL HAS BEEN DEALT WITH!!

NHTSA ID
10954493
Incident
Aug 15, 2016
Airbags
Filed Dec 28, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10937962
Incident
Jul 15, 2016
Airbags
Filed Aug 9, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 SUBARU TRIBECA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V359000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10894356
Incident
Jun 10, 2016

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TKA-17R, TKB-17R

AIR BAGS

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in certain Subaru vehicles listed, equipped with a non-desiccated Takata-sourced passenger side frontal airbag containing the propellant Phase Stabilized Ammonium Nitrate (certain specific vehicles only).

01-168-09R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

15-302-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

01-167-08R

EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

15-192-22R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).

09-83-21R

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin announces design change to the water pump assembly.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Subaru Tribeca by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2014040—
2013360—
2011280—
20104100—
2009590—
2008Viewing149052.1
2007480—
2006980—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.